Let Art Gym support your transition from creative student to creative professional by applying for the Create Award residency. Selected Residents receive a 6-month membership to Art Gym with access to the equipment and tools needed to establish themselves after graduation. As a member, residents quickly become part of a community of artists who help navigate the business side of becoming successful in the art world. And by engaging in peer-to-peer mentoring and professional critiques, Create Award residents grow and thrive in a supportive environment of like-minded individuals. The residency program culminates in a celebratory exhibition and/or performance on display in Art Gym’s professional gallery space or performance studio.

The goal of this residency is to support recently graduated artists in continued creation through access to equipment, mentoring and exhibitions. The first years out of art school is critical to the development of professional artistic practices. Artists who launch immediately into their chosen field are more likely to achieve success. The Create Award helps facilitate this launch.

Selected Residents will receive a 6-month membership, materials stipend, access to a community of artists, as well as a culminating exhibition and/or performance. Artists are expected to spend 12-15 hours a week creating work at Art Gym.

See what our past residents have had to say about their experience with the Create Award here!

About Art Gym:

Art Gym's mission is to build a community that inspires, teaches, and promotes creative expression. Instead of committing to a lease or renting a private studio, artists can join Art Gym’s shared workspace for a monthly membership fee and can reserve workspace and equipment to ensure it is available to them. Our shared workspace keeps costs low and puts artists in a creative environment where others are making art in a variety of disciplines. Art Gym also offers a variety of programming to members and non-members throughout the year.  Offerings include workshops, art critiques, figure drawing, artist talks and gallery exhibits.

Application Requirements

Application Requirements:

Prepare a 500-1000 word proposal that outlines general goals and your intended direction for the culminating exhibition/performance. Be sure to include 3-5 visual examples or video, and a rough timeline of milestones for the project. Next, get a letter of recommendation from a faculty member and a couple of references, and you’re set. (Pro Tip: Before you apply, it’s a good idea to stop by Art Gym or contact us to set up a tour so you’re familiar with the space you’ll be working and exhibiting/performing in.)

Please have letters of reference sent to ilan@artgymdenver.com.

Important Dates:

Submission Opens: Open year round

Submission Deadline: June 16, 2023

Interviews: June 26-30, 2023

Announcement of Residents: July 7, 2023

Residency: Mid-July to Mid-January

Exhibition/Performance: End of January

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:

If you graduated in 2021 or later in a Fine Arts or Performing Arts program, you are eligible to apply for the Create Award.